Cash game poker is the lifeblood of poker. For over a hundred years – long before there was mac poker or sit and gos - poker was played in homes, saloons, casinos and private clubs with cash on the table, with small and large fortunes changing hands over the turn of a card.
Even though tournament poker has enjoyed a tremendous surge of popularity, classic poker will always be in the cash game. For example, when people speak of the biggest online pot ever, they are always referring to a cash game. If you are ready to dive into cash game poker, here’s what you need to know.
Bankroll Management in Cash Game Poker
Your chips are your weapons in poker, and you don’t want to be bringing a knife to a gunfight. Make sure you have enough chips to keep you in the game. This usually means at least 100 big blinds to start.
Short term variance can deal severe blows to even the most skilled players. You want to make sure you are going to be around long enough for the odds to even out so that your skills can take over.
Types of Cash Games in Poker
You might find yourself playing cash game poker at a casino, online or at a friend’s house. If you’re playing with friends, try to make sure everyone is comfortable with the stakes. You don’t want any ruffled feathers at the end of the night, and you don’t want a player taking a financial hit so hard that they never come back.
At a live or online casino, remember that you are welcome to leave at any time, whether you are up or down. Don’t let other players intimidate you into staying or going unless it's what you want.
Winning Cash Game Poker
Even the best players don’t win every time, but they do win more often then most. If you find you are on the losing end more than you feel you should, consider moving down in stakes, finding less expert opponents or analyzing your game for leaks.
There’s no shame in finding your level and then working to improve. If you try to improve at a game that is above your level, you may find your bankroll is wiped out before you get the experience you need.
